Energy Transfer in Collision of 200000N & 400000N Cars

[Tubs]

This question is making me go in circles, any tips?

A car weighing 200000 N traveling 3 m/s slams into a stationary car weighing 400000 N. The collision connects the two cars. How much energy is transferred from kinetic energy to other forms of energy in the collision?

 

[siddharth]

In this question, the energy of the system (ie ,the two cars) is not conserved. You have to find the KE of the cars before and after collision and the difference would give you the KE lost to other forms.
Can you find this difference? (Hint: Conservation of momentum)

 

[quicknote]

I would approach this question by using the principles of energy conservation and the equations of motion. The initial kinetic energy of the first car can be calculated using the formula KE = 1/2mv^2, where m is the mass of the car and v is its velocity. Similarly, the final kinetic energy of the combined cars can be calculated by using the same formula, but with the total mass and final velocity of the combined cars.

The difference between the initial and final kinetic energies would represent the energy transferred from kinetic energy to other forms of energy, such as sound, heat, and deformation of the cars. This can be calculated by subtracting the final kinetic energy from the initial kinetic energy.

In addition, the conservation of momentum can also be applied to determine the final velocity of the combined cars. The total momentum before the collision is equal to the total momentum after the collision, which can be expressed as m1v1 + m2v2 = (m1+m2)v, where m1 and m2 are the masses of the individual cars, v1 and v2 are their initial velocities, and v is the final velocity of the combined cars.

Using these equations, the energy transfer in the collision can be calculated and analyzed. It is important to note that the exact amount of energy transferred may vary depending on the specific conditions of the collision, such as the angle and speed of impact, and the materials and structures of the cars involved.

In terms of tips for approaching this question, it may be helpful to break it down into smaller parts and use the relevant equations and principles to solve each part. Additionally, considering the real-world factors that can affect the energy transfer, such as friction and air resistance, can also provide a more accurate and comprehensive answer.